The Importance of Body Language in Politics: Insights from a Non-Verbal Communications Expert

Summary

In this article, we explore the significance of non-verbal cues in politics, based on insights from Joe Navarro, a former FBI spy catcher and non-verbal communications expert. Navarro explains how politicians rehearse their non-verbal cues to convey authenticity and sentiment to the audience. He also emphasizes that body language should supplement and confirm what is being said, but not be used to determine truthfulness. The article also examines the nonverbal behaviors of Donald Trump and Joe Biden and how they communicate their thoughts and emotions through gestures.

The Importance of Non-Verbal Cues in Politics:

According to Joe Navarro, non-verbal cues play a vital role in politics. Politicians rehearse their non-verbal cues, such as waving and pointing, to convey authenticity and sentiment to the audience. Navarro also notes that politicians are often separated by space to disguise height differences, and they use blue backgrounds and American flag lapel pins as subconscious cues to the audience. However, Navarro emphasizes that body language should supplement and confirm what is being said, but not be used to determine truthfulness. He looks for signs of discomfort, hesitation, and lack of confidence, such as lip biting, shoulder movements, and finger interlacing.

Gestures and Behaviors in Political Debates:

The article highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in conveying authenticity and sentiment during political debates. Certain gestures can be interpreted as blocking or comforting behaviors, such as touching the eye with the fingers. Politicians may rehearse their hand gestures, but some may refuse any kind of training. The article emphasizes that non-verbal cues should complement what is being said and not be used to deceive the audience.

Trump and Biden’s Nonverbal Behaviors:

The article examines the nonverbal behaviors of Donald Trump and Joe Biden during political debates. Trump’s gestures include talking with his index finger to his thumb, emphasizing points with an elbow flop, closing his eyelids when he hears something he dislikes, and using his lips to convey sarcasm or contempt. He also hugs himself when surrounded by people in the White House but displays territorial behavior on his TV show, The Apprentice. Biden, on the other hand, touches his lips when pondering and furrows his glabella and squints his eyes when making a point. These gestures are not a shorthand for deception but rather a way to communicate what we are thinking about at the moment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, non-verbal cues are an essential part of communication, especially in politics. Politicians rehearse their non-verbal cues to convey authenticity and sentiment to the audience. However, non-verbal cues should complement what is being said and not be used to deceive the audience. The nonverbal behaviors of Donald Trump and Joe Biden during political debates communicate their thoughts and emotions through gestures.